Bulldogs Get New Locker Room

Jan 30, 2012

Another Reese Gift Impacts Program

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The Yale men's lacrosse team had an extreme makeover in its locker room this winter. The Bulldogs' new state-of-the-art dressing room, inside the Smilow Field Center, was a gift from former Yale goalie Jason Reese '87.

"Yale and specifically the Yale lacrosse program have been very influential in the lives of the Reese Family. I am happy to continue to give back to improve the experience for the current and future members of the program," said Reese, who, along with his brother, Jon '90, made the leadership gift for Reese Stadium, which was dedicated in April 2010.

The room includes 45 custom-designed wood units, flat screen monitors, a sound system and inspirational graphics on the walls.

"The new locker room means a lot to the team. It's great to know there are alumni who care about the program and want to make our experience better," said senior captain Michael Pratt. "We have a much more open and unified feel in the room now."

The bright lockers light up the room and serve as a perfect contrast to the Yale blue logos, lettering and helmets.

"We're constantly reminded of the awesome alumni support and how we've grown as a program," said senior attackman Matt Gibson. "I'm sure the new facilities will continue to help draw recruits, and it's been really exciting to be here at Yale for four years of non-stop improvements on and off the field."

The words painted above the lockers (accountability, toughness, confidence, brotherhood, motor) are things the Yale coaches want to instill in their players, but they are also words typical of a Reese.

"We are extremely excited about the new locker room. Jason Reese continually proves that his generosity is limitless. We are so fortunate to have someone that cares so much about his alma mater and the experience he had on the lacrosse field," said Yale head coach Andy Shay.